Head of Propulsion

The Opportunity!

A great opportunity has arisen to lead a small team of engineers across multiple sites, delivering propulsion capability to all MBDA UK products from the initial concept, through their development, and ultimately through to in-service support. This will involve working in a dynamic environment with a range of technical subject areas and projects, and leading the MBDA UK propulsion strategy to ensure development of the skills needed to meet future needs. It will also entail close working with the motor supply chain to deliver the design, development & qualification of motors, and to help ensure production delivery.
Our team is a growing group of capable and enthusiastic engineers who form a world-leading missile propulsion team. This role is personally involved in the propulsion systems of a broad range of weapons from concept of an idea through to the analysis & support of in-service weapons.
We see this role being key and influential in helping MBDA and UK HMG develop and define the future landscape of propulsion capabilities through the strategic use of research opportunities.

What are we looking for?

• A good in-depth technical appreciation for the propulsion field.
• Education to degree level or equivalent in an aeronautical subject, with a background in a propulsion environment.
• An appreciation of our products and concepts, and its future challenges.
• A track record of leading an engineering team.
• The ability to build good relationships and network across all levels of the organisation, and with external organisations.
• A demonstrable capability in project management, including the capability for planning and piloting change projects and skill or capability improvement projects.
• Consistent track record in managing budgets.

This will suit someone who is looking for:

• A chance to work across multiple projects, and influence the development of our next generation of products
• To raise their personal and technical profile with recognition by MBDA, Customer and Sub-Contractor communities, as head of a major MBDA expertise
• The opportunity to have a significant influence on the propulsion strategy as the department grows, meeting future challenges & opportunities
• Frequent travel within the UK, and occasionally to MBDA France or elsewhere

The Role!

Ensuring that the best support in propulsion fields is provided by:

• Delivering technical excellence
• Planning achievements and work for projects
• Satisfying customers by ensuring propulsion work packages are delivered on time, to quality and to cost.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement in the department & its supply chain, to ensure delivery of current commitments, and preparing for challenging future weapon systems.
• Ensuring that research, staff development and technical studies all reflect MBDA as having a world-class propulsion capability.
• Contributing to Multi-Disciplinary Optimisation for technically robust solutions in line with the skills of propulsion, thermal, stealth, guidance, platform integration, mechanical design etc…
• Working with projects & customers to maintain a realistic view of future workload, and ensure the team is ready to meet that future demand.
• Understand and validate plans and suppliers quotes for projects associated with propulsion, including modelling, test firings, qualification & in-service support.
• Promote harmonies and standard methodology exchanges between MBDA propulsion departments in France, Germany, Italy and UK, together with suppliers such as Roxel & Bayern Chemie
• Assist the UK government in planning and maintaining strategies for the sovereign capability of weapon propulsion specifically, and propulsion in general.
• Cultivate an environment within which people are energised and hardworking, are encouraged to develop themselves, and get personal satisfaction from their work
• Work with the Heads of APL, Aerodynamics & Warheads to champion close team working across the function, and to continue to build an integrated technical capability

What you could get:

*Flexible working *opportunities for career progression *paid overtime (subject to level) *great bonus scheme *comprehensive pension scheme *annual salary review *fantastic working environment and site facilities *social, charitable and sporting activities.

MBDA is an award-winning company; committed to providing an inclusive working environment where our employees can be themselves and everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We value difference and know that a diverse community makes for greater innovation and brings a breadth of skills, experience and perspectives.

We welcome applicants who would like flexible working arrangements. MBDA is a proud member of Working Families – the UK’s work-life balance organisation.

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Please Note: MBDA UK requires all employees to achieve the appropriate clearance relevant to the role.